Leeds Rhinos: Former Leeds captain Clark dies

Leeds have announced the death of their former captain and Great Britain forward Mick Clark, who lost his battle with Parkinson’s Disease today at the age of 78.

Clark made just over 200 appearances for Leeds from 1963 to 1969 and was a member of their Challenge Cup-winning team in the famous “Watersplash” final at Wembley in 1968.

He also played for Dewsbury, Huddersfield and Salford and ended his career with a spell as player-coach at Keighley.

A Leeds spokesman said: “On behalf of everyone connected with the club we would like to send our deepest sympathies to his son and two daughters and his grandchildren at this sad time.”

Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood said: “It is with sadness that we have heard of Mick Clark’s passing and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

“Few players get the opportunity to represent their country, fewer still to play for the national team in a World Cup but Mick Clark did that in 1968, which says much about the prodigious talent he was.”

The Rhinos team will wear black armbands for their next match against Warrington next Friday.